Log cast: Rayek, Savah Log date: 12/17/98 Entry Hall(#8823RAF) High-ceilinged, airy, this chamber widens out from the doorway that serves as its entrance from outside to an expansive room, filled with little more than strangely ornate walls and the occasional column, rising up to the ceiling far overhead. Closer inspection of the walls reveals patterns shaped into their surfaces, sometimes of wings, or flowers, or the lithe forms of elves -- and sometimes of images that defy description. The air is full of a subliminal shimmer that plays at the edge of elfin senses, a tingle that feels welcoming even in its eldritch oddness. Among the fanciful shapings in this wide chamber can be viewed a 'black spiral' of rock resting on a low column. A long winding stairway twines its way up out of this chamber and into the upper heights of this place; you might be able to find other ways out of here, but the only other exit in immediate sight is the archway and doors that lead outside. Contents: Half n Half's Tent(#8861AJUeh) Sand cat Obvious exits: Corridor Winding Stairway Doorway Savah arrives out of the popular and well-lit Corridor. Savah has arrived. Savah smiles in greeting. Rayek descends the stairway, looking tired, but awake. He returns the smile readily, his head dipping in a nod. "Mother of Memory.." Savah walks over in a serene rustle of robes. "You look tired, dear one." The airwalker watches her approach, answering with a slow shake of his head. He frowns lightly, as if debating his reply, then says gruffly, "I have had trouble sleeping of late. It happens from time to time." Savah says "Your burden has increased with the fall of Sorrow's End. Can I help in some way?" "It is not..." Rayek stops midsentence, the frown reappearing, then shakes his head again in decline. "No, I... No. Thank you, Mother of Memory, but... no." Savah regards her eternally independent student with a fond smile, and inclines her head in acknowledgement, then changes the subject. "How well do you know this area? Is it safe for my children to wander away from the Palace itself?" Looking pensive, the black-haired hunter considers the question. "I know it well.. Almost as well as I did the rocks of Sorrow's End. It should be safe for them to wander, though I wouldn't recommend some of the... softer villagers to wander very far, not alone. But it is safe otherwise." Savah says "Timber has spoken of examining the plains to the south, as well. As for the rest..." She considers briefly. "They seem content to await what decisions I might make. As to whether we should stay here, or go elsewhere." Rayek nods in reply, falling quiet for a few moments before speaking again. "Do you think you will stay here, Mother of Memory?" Savah looks up at the far ceiling. "For myself... I would dearly love to. But there is a scism between the rest. Some already are restless to return to the world outside." The airwalker nods slowly, again lapsing into a thoughtful silence. His fingers play with the stitching of one sleeve, plucking at the thread idly until it threatens to ravel free. "Any that wish to may stay," he says finally, looking at the regal maiden. "The Palace is open to all elves." Savah says "Thank you, my dear. Once we have all recovered from our ordeal, I speak with all my children to determine their will in this matter. I believe there might be a parting of ways, but time will tell." "Mother of Memory..." Rayek hesitates briefly, the gold of his eyes flickering. When he continues his voice softens some, gaze averted. "Do you think.. Sorrow's End will ever be reclaimed?" Savah sighs softly. "Sorrow's End survived because it remained hidden to humans. Now it has been found, and as long as one human remains who knows where it is, it can be no home to us. Would we wish the deaths of so many humans to reclaim what was once our own?" "No.." the airwalker admits softly. "We wouldn't." He looks away, a few strands falling over his eyes, serving as a thin black curtain. Quiet for a moment, he speaks up rather suddenly again, turning to look at the Mother of Memory. "Savah.." Savah looks to her former charge, head tilting slightly to signal her attention. "Yes, my dear?" Rayek's attitude seems to change abruptly, his pensive mood becoming curious and open, tinged with worry. Though his face remains somewhat stoic and unreadable, his eyes and voice betray his nervousness and unease. "I... have wondered... Not dared yet to search for myself, ah... Ingen and Jarrah, my parents... I haven't seen them, did... did they...?" Savah's expressive eyes answer even before she speaks, filling with grief. She places her slender hand on your arm and says quietly. "They were lost before the arrival of the Palace. I am sorry." His eyes slowly closing, the desertborn hunter can only nod mutely in reply. ** I... see. ** he sends, sounding strangely hollow. ** ...Thank you. ** Savah locksends ** I share your grief, dear one. Though they are not truly lost to us, now that we are in the Palace. ** ** Yes, I know. I... know. ** A frown creasing his face, Rayek gently, but firmly, pulls away from the slender hand on his arm. ** I... Forgive me. I must think... ** Savah inclines her head, as always respecting your wish for privacy. She silently moves on to speak to another of the Palace dwellers. Savah wanders down the most-used corridor. Savah has left. [end log]